Lockheed union members and employees of a Marietta-based credit union are in the midst of a lockout over changes to employee pensions, pay raises and transfers.
The 31 employees, represented by Lockheed’s Local 709 Machinist Union, have been walking picket lines at all seven branches at the LGE Community Credit Union since Dec. 2, when the union rejected a contract proposal and voted to strike.
LGE, formerly Lockheed Georgia Employees credit union, had proposed replacing the union employees’ current pension plan with a 401K plan. The proposed three-year contract also would have established 2 percent to 6 percent merit increases, instead of across-the-board raises.
But the changes equate to a cut in benefits, said union president Denise Rakestraw.
LGE officials stand by their proposal.
The 401K plan would allow for immediate 100 percent vesting, instead of the five-year vesting requirement included in the union pension, said LGE spokesman Stephen Cohen. The LGE plan also guarantees a 5 percent contribution and possible 5 percent employer match.
“We think these benefits are good in any economy, but especially in this economy,” Cohen said.
Union employees also disagree with a company policy that they say allows for employees to be arbitrarily transferred between LGE’s seven regional branches. Because most of the employees are women, the transfers are difficult on their family routines, according to the union.
“These ladies have walked the picket line six days a week and it’s been tough,” Rakestraw said. "I’m proud that they had the fortitude to stand up for their rights.”
Negotiations are ongoing with no deadline for resolution. Also to be worked out is how the employees can return to their jobs if a contract is signed and whether they would suffer any repercussions.
Since the strike, LGE has hired temporary workers to fill the positions, Rakestraw said. Cohen would not comment on temporaries, but said some of the union members had crossed the picket line and returned to work.
LGE employees 191 employees at seven locations in Cobb, Woodstock and Cherokee counties.
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